Encouragement for Life, Love, and Leadership

Finding Jesus – John 5, by Ty Tamasaka

“39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God[ac]?

45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”John 5:31-47 NIV

Jesus acknowledged the Jewish leaders studied the Scriptures… diligently.He recognized them spending time in the Word of God consistently.They studied the doctrines.They studied the law.Jesus acknowledged all of their studies and efforts, but He continued, “you missed the point entirely because you’ve missed Me.The Scriptures testify of Me.”

Today’s devotion serves as a reminder to me about reading the Word of God.I am reminded of the simplicity of the Word of God and that the Scriptures testify of Jesus.When I read the Bible, it points to Jesus.

There are times I enjoy digging into the context of the Scriptures.I enjoy reading Bible commentaries and understanding hermeneutics of a Bible passage.Jesus reminds me today that the question I need to ask consistently though, is “Do I find Jesus when I read the Bible?”If I miss Him, I could be like the religious leaders and miss the entire message!Here are some piercing questions Jesus’ words pose.

1 – Is the love of God in my heart?

2 – Have I accepted the Words of Jesus Christ?

3 – Do I seek the glory that comes from God?

There are times I get too technical.Jesus may I find You in the Word.May I know You more in my heart.May Your glory be revealed in greater glory.In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.